Alex Trebek Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Alex Trebek has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but pledges to finish this season of Jeopardy. Pancreatic cancer, which took my sister-in-law in a matter of weeks after she was diagnosed, is in most cases a death sentence. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but that's the nature of that form of the disease. It is almost impossible to defeat and has a survival rate of something like only 8% after five years.

Despite the odds (and joking in the video below that his contract runs for three more years) Trebek vows he's going to fight to beat it, which won't be easy. I doubt he will be able to host the game show after this season, if he finishes it at all and I wonder if the producers have anyone else in mind or have ever considered the possibility of who might replace him after some 35 years as host.

Re: Alex Trebek Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

By the way, I should add one of the few people who actually beat the odds works in broadcasting right here in Toronto.

Libby Znaimer, former reporter for City TV, currently with AM 740 and sister of owner Moses Znaimer, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and survived, thanks to a risky and somewhat new treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Re: Alex Trebek Reveals Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

The fact that it is Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is particularly grim because it means it has likely spread to other parts of his body.

About 2 weeks ago, the Documentary channel aired a show which covered the history of TV Quiz shows and Alex interviewed a few former game show hosts such as Regis Philbin. It also showed clips of him hosting a show in the early 70s called The Wizard of Odds.

After learning today of his health issue, I am very glad I watched the documentary.